Hope Mayoral Candidate Doesn't Use LPD Issues For Political Gain

Monday

Jun 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM

I was sitting in the audience recently when Commissioner Howard Wiggs started a discussion about the grand jury inquiry going on in reference to the Lakeland Police Department and releasing certain information sealed by a judge.Wiggs forced Mayor Gow Fields into a heated discussion. It was not the time or place to be bantering back and forth, and mostly pushing the mayor into a position having to defend himself.The Ledger ran an article about Commissioner Wiggs ["Commissioner Criticizes Manager for Inaction on LPD," June 22], this time questioning City Manager Doug Thomas about his handling of the problems at LPD.Our city manager is doing a great job, and we are lucky to have him.Also, we have one of the finest police departments in Florida, and Police Chief Lisa Womack is capable of taking care of the problems that have been written about recently.As soon as all legal avenues have been investigated and a decision is made, I believe both of them will handle their duties like the true professionals that they are.My point being that it seems to me that Commissioner Wiggs is looking for opportunities to get his name and opinions out to the public because this is an election year and he's running for mayor against Fields.I know Howard Wiggs pretty well and I believe him to generally care, but I am hoping he doesn't turn this mayor's race into a negative situation.ELLIS HIRSCHLakeland